Here at South El Monte High School, students are offered many activities they can partake in. From volunteering work, clubs, sports, and community services, these are some examples of what is offered at school. These out-of-class activities are not just an enjoyable way to spend time; they improve one’s personal growth, and so much more! But why should you join in these activities? In this article, we will be diving into how it can benefit students in many different ways.
Extracurriculars are activities that take place outside classes. Participating in these activities can strengthen your leadership skills, develop valuable life skills, meet new people, and be involved in the community! Being involved in these activities also enriches your high school life, making it a memorable experience to look back to. Natalie Luu, a senior, shares her thoughts. “Joining or being involved in extracurriculars gives students chances to meet new people and to discover new interests.” Additionally, Mrs. Wong, an advisor for FBLA and a business teacher, also adds, “It allows students to apply what they learned from classes to real-world scenarios.”
Through extracurriculars, it is where you can meet people with the same passions or interests as you, who you connect with and share the same experiences with. Whether it is being a part of a club, sport, or volunteering for an event, it is a place where students can make lifelong friendships through.
Extracurriculars are especially useful to bring up when doing college applications. They are especially useful for making you stand out from a crowd of thousands of applicants. Colleges and universities like seeing students who have a hobby or interest they enjoy outside of school. It shows that students who have passion can stick with their interests for an extensive period, taking their time outside school to do these activities. Natalie says, “It shows colleges that you are willing to commit yourself and your time, and shows colleges different sides of you, such as balancing academics with sports, and also meet people from the colleges you want to apply to.” Mrs. Wong also says, “Colleges do not look for students who are only bookworms; they want people who are leaders, those who try to contribute productively in this world.”
There are many clubs offered at SEMHS, such as the Sports Medicine Club, FMP (Freshmen Mentoring Program), Women Empowerment, and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). Participating in these clubs can show colleges that students are passionate about learning. However, just being in the club is not enough. Students have to be involved, and gaining a leadership position in the club/sport will show colleges that students have responsibility and dedication to these activities.
Mrs. Wong strongly suggests students participate in FBLA. “FBLA offers opportunities that other clubs do not. These opportunities include travel, networking with peers all over California, and a chance to see real business in action. It can change students, from a shy person to an assertive leader.”
Natalie also shares her experiences from FBLA. “I’ve enjoyed being in FBLA, because you can meet a lot of new people who share the same interests as you from around the state and country. You also get to practice your public speaking and networking skills, explore different topics that interest you, and win awards for yourself and your school.” She also adds, “One of my favorite memories from FBLA would be traveling with my teacher and FBLA chapter, and interacting with people from other schools.”
SEMHS also provides a program called Upward Bound for students who want to get into a four-year college. Joining this program will show colleges that you are committed to getting an education. Upward Bound is a federally funded program that helps students from low-income backgrounds prepare for college admissions and a successful education. It offers one-on-one tutoring for students on any tricky subject they are struggling with. Natalie is also a student in Upward Bound and recommends students to take this program. “Upward Bound is a program that tutors students and gives them resources for high school and college, offering tutoring services, access to internships, and opportunities to dorm at colleges across states and nations.” She also adds, “You get to improve speaking skills, learn new study skills, get college advice, application support, and be able to get internships.”
Extracurriculars are more than just an add-on activity in a student’s life. It offers valuable opportunities for personal growth, skill development, connecting with others, and even enhancing a student’s college application. Now that there are many listed reasons, what will you be deciding on doing?
